Airport cab operators across Nigeria have asked the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria for more time to comply with its vehicle-upgrade policy, warning that the cost of replacing older cars could force many drivers and small operators out of business.
FAAN has required airport cab operators to use vehicles manufactured from 2012 onwards as part of measures intended to improve safety, comfort and service quality.
The authority says the policy was communicated from 2024 and that operators were given multiple extensions, with October 2026 proposed as the final deadline.
Airport Cab Operators of Nigeria Chairman Prince Amosola said compliant replacement vehicles could cost between N15 million and N18 million, far above what many drivers could finance from current earnings.
He said a typical N25,000 airport trip could absorb N15,000 to N17,000 in fuel for the journey and return, in addition to FAAN’s N1,500 operational fee and other expenses such as washing, repairs and maintenance.
According to the operators, these costs can leave drivers with only a small margin from each trip, making fleet replacement difficult.
The operators said they had also explored electric vehicles following discussions with Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo but found some quoted prices even higher.
They said they were not opposed to modernizing their fleets or to competition from e-hailing companies but wanted a longer transition period and comparable operating conditions.
FAAN maintains that the policy is intended to improve roadworthiness and passenger experience rather than remove operators from the airports.
The dispute therefore centres on the pace and financing of compliance rather than the objective of improving vehicle standards
